Windows 10 is going the way of the dodo but Microsoft is still updating it for now. (Image: Microsoft/Getty)
Even though it is still used by millions more people worldwide than the newer , is approaching the end of its life. has confirmed it will end support for the operating system that first launched in 2015, saying after October that users won’t get any more free software updates that keep it secure and up to date.
Machines running Windows 10 will continue to function, but Microsoft warns PC owners to update to Windows 11 to continue to receive the latest bug fixes and security patches.
Despite this looming deadline, Microsoft has just pushed out the latest updates for Windows 10 users. Surprisingly, this includes the introduction of the latest version of Outlook, the famous Windows email app. It’s a little unusual to see a brand new version of a Microsoft app pushed out to Windows 10 given it soon won’t be supported, but it’s good news if you are on Windows 10 and want the latest official way to scour your inbox.
As spotted by the KB5051974 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 10 21H2 automatically installs the new Outlook for Windows app. This app isn’t new, having first been released in October 2023, but until now it has been available from the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 PCs rather than installed without the user’s go ahead.
It seems installing this update is mandatory as it contains the latest security patches, and will download automatically. The new Outlook app has been available for Windows 10 users via the Microsoft Store app, but was not previously downloaded automatically.
Slightly confusingly, the new Outlook app installs alongside the classic Outlook app, so you’ll see two Outlook app icons after you’ve updated Windows 10. Despite the double up, you can continue to use the old version or switch to the new one.
“The new Outlook for Windows brings the latest features, intelligent assisted capabilities and a new modern and simplified design to your Outlook app,” Microsoft said on its website.
The design is updated to look cleaner with more white space, similar to the look and feel of Windows 11.
But the new app addition is at odds with Microsoft’s that it will end support for all Microsoft 365 apps, including Outlook, come October.
The free update for all Windows 10 users also fixes bugs that stop the handy Snipping Tool from functioning properly, as well as flaws that affect the audio and camera performance of some PC devices.
After October 2025, those still using Windows 10 won’t receive any more free updates. All Windows 10 users can choose to upgrade their computers to Windows 11, though Microsoft has published its minimum system requirements here that detail how powerful your PC needs to be to cope with Windows 11. If you install Windows 11 on an underpowered device, you may find your device stops performing well, a fear that has stopped many Windows 10 fans from upgrading.
“If you installed Windows 11 on a device not meeting Windows 11 system requirements, Microsoft recommends you roll back to Windows 10 immediately,” on a support page on its website.
Optionally, Windows 10 users will be able to to keep Windows 10 up to date.